Anna Darling

by Angela Hall-Averre

  Welcome to Briar Glen

  September 2015

  Anna had been dreaming each and every night for the past week about a tall, dark and handsome stranger coming into her life. She had never remembered a dream before, but these were so vivid. First, he walked up behind her and tapped her on the shoulder. She turned and his eyes were golden. He smiled and asks if she knew where a guy could get something to eat around here. She remembers telling him across the street, down three blocks there’s a cafe. He thanks her and she wakes up. She had never seen eyes that were gold before. She wondered if the guy in the dream is just one of those guys with the funky contact lenses. “Such a cliché,” she said to herself out load, “a tall dark stranger.”

  She laughed at herself as she got up, dressed, quickly checked the full-length mirror, and hurried out the door. She was running late as usual. What she wasn’t expecting was to meet a tall dark stranger similar to her dreams that morning. She was standing there waiting for the light to change so she could walk across the street. He actually walked up behind her and tapped her on the shoulder. She turned and he grinned and asked if there was anywhere a guy could get a bite to eat. She looked up into his eyes and saw that they were a light brown, but definitely not gold like in her dream, she noted. “Um, there’s a small cafe across the street three blocks up,” she said.

  He was looking at her and admiring her long red hair that matched her outfit so well. “Thank you, I’m new to the neighborhood and still haven’t found my way around.”

  “Oh, well there’s not much to find here in Briar Glen.”

  “My name is Makesh Sökmen but you can call me Mark. I just moved into the brick three-story house on 3rd street, the next block over. It’s pre-Victorian so I’m guessing it would be called a Georgian style home.”

  “Nice to meet you, I’m Anna Hall,” she smiled and said through a slight laugh of disbelief, “and I actually live in the house next to yours. I saw the sold sign in the yard.”

  “Hey we’re neighbors, cool. So would you like to grab a milkshake sometime?”

  Anna just couldn’t believe a tall dark stranger had just asked her out for a milkshake. A milkshake nonetheless, that made her chuckle. His voice was both soothing and powerful. “Well, sure, why not. Right now I’m heading over to the antique store where I work. It’s called Old Stuff That Dazzles. I’m off tomorrow. We could go then.”

  “Okay, great, so is ten o’clock tomorrow morning good for you?”

  “Sure, I’ll meet you in front of my house.”

  “Ok, I’ll be seeing you then.”

  Oh my God, she thought. The dream I never thought would come to pass. This is the guy from the dreams I’ve been having. I wondered what he was like and why I’ve been dreaming about him without getting to know more, and then BAM! Here he is. I guess I’ll find out soon.

  When Anna walked into the antique store, her boss, who is also her sister, Nadine was standing at the counter. She looked up smiled and said, “Are you ok? You look like you’ve seen a ghost or something.”

  “Well, maybe kind of. The strangest thing just happened. I was walking to work and waiting for the light to change, and this tall dark stranger tapped me on my shoulder. Nadine, I’ve been dreaming of this guy all week. What do you make of that?”

  “Wow, well what did he say?” she asked standing at the counter hopping from one foot to the other like a little girl. She was delirious at the news. Anna had seemed depressed lately and meeting someone new was just what she needed.

  “Come to find out his family just bought the house next to ours. I saw the moving truck there yesterday but I didn’t see who moved in. I thought I would let them get settled and maybe bake some cookies or something. You know like a welcome to the neighborhood plate.”

  “So how come you never said anything about dreaming about this guy before? What was your dream anyway?”

  “I dreamed he walked up behind me and tapped me on my shoulder and asked if there was anywhere a guy could get a bite to eat. In my dream he had gold eyes. I told him there was a cafe across the street, three blocks up.”

  “Too weird. You must be psychic or something,” she glanced at Anna looking to see if she’d take the bait, and then finished, “orrrrrr, maybe you saw them moving in and just didn’t think about it until after you started dreaming of him?”

  “We’re going for a milkshake tomorrow,” Anna noted, ignoring Nadine’s comment.

  “Well, you better be careful, you don’t know this guy.”

  “He’s my new neighbor. I’m sure I’ll get to know him. I’m sure everyone will get to know him soon enough. We do live in a very small community.”

  “Yeah you’re right. Be careful anyway.”

  “Yes, mother,” Anna, said with sarcasm.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Old Stuff That Dazzles

  “THERE IS an estate sale this afternoon. I was planning on taking half a day for it. I want you to mind the store.”

  “Ok, I’ll be here till five, like I always am,” answered Anna.

  “It may not take me that long. It’s the old Manor up on Manchester Street.”

  “That’s awesome. That is where our Haunted house will be this year. I heard there was going to be an auction on that place. I planned on going.”

  “There are a lot of old antiques. I was interested in the dining set with the buffet. Also there is a lot of glass and artwork. You never know, I may find a masterpiece yet,” stated Nadine wishfully.

  “Sis, I believe at some point in your life you will find a masterpiece.”

  “I can only hope. I’ve decided that we need to make a new window display. I want to see what items I get at the estate sale first. I would like to make the window more appealing.”

  “I’ll get started clearing the current display. What do you want me to do with the stuff that’s there now?”

  “Just put it in the back room for now. I was thinking about marking some of it down, for a quick sale.”

  “Okay, keep your eyes out for some costume jewelry. I plan to dress like a gypsy for Halloween.”

  “Sure thing, no problem, I’ll keep my eyes out for the jewels. We still have a month and a half before the big Halloween bash. I still haven’t decided what I’ll be. Maybe I’ll dress like a pirate or just a zombie.”

  “You know I’m on the Haunted Manor committee don’t you?” stated Anna.

  “No I didn’t know. I missed the meeting”

  “Yeah, old man Tom Donahue nominated me for the job of design. I’m supposed to get the high school kids involved with the displays. So far we’ve posted fliers around town and the local radio and television stations are beginning to advertise the Haunted Manor. See, I posted one in the window.”

  Nadine waltzed over to the window and read the flyer. The Haunted Manor will be open EVERY Friday & Saturday night in October! Also we’ll be open on the 30th & 31st (Halloween) so dress up in your scary costumes, grab your friends, and come get the fright of your life!

  “What are you thinking, old skeletons and ghosts in the night?” asked Nadine.

  “I’m not really sure yet. I was going to set up a meeting soon with the kids and let them be a part of the design.”

  “You should meet with them in the cafeteria.”

  “Nadine, I was hoping you would help.”

  “I don’t know. Maybe I will, maybe I won’t. It all depends on what comes up between now and then. So I’m not making any promises.”

  “Okay, I hope you will be available and decide to help.”

  “What do you think of a gypsy with tarot cards as part of it? You did say you wanted to be a gypsy for the party. I can loan you my deck if you want.”

  Anna quirked a smile and said, “That would be great, thanks.”

  “I need to get going to that estate sale before all the good stuff is gone. I’ll be coming back with a vanload. At least that’s what I’m hoping.”

  “Have fun, I’ll get started on that cleaning out of
the old display while you’re gone.”

  Nadine put her blond hair up in a bun fastening it with a chopstick, and checked her face in the mirror. She touched up her eyeliner and mascara. She wanted her green eyes to be outlined like a feline. When she was satisfied she left and Anna got busy.

  Anna was glad the window would soon be sporting a new display. I hope she doesn’t choose something that looks plain, she thought. She moved the old matchbook car collection and raceway from the window and put everything in the back room up on the second shelf that was against the wall. Grabbing the broom and dustpan she heard the bell above the door chime. She set her cleaning supplies down and walked out into the front to see who walked in.

  “Good morning, is there anything I can help you with?”

  “I’m not sure,” said a lady Anna had not seen in town before. She was slowly scanning the store.

  Antiques crowded the stuffy little shop, a glorious conglomeration of cultures and fashions through the ages. Almost everything from the late 1800s and all through the twentieth century, “My family and I have just moved here and I want to redecorate. I was hoping to find an antique chandelier.”

  “Any certain time frame you were wanting?”

  “Oh, I don’t know, I would like the Edwardian or Victorian era. Do you have French country?” The middle-aged woman had a grin from ear to ear. Anna could tell she was in her element in the antique store.

  “We have four chandeliers for sale, two from the thirties, one French and one Edwardian. Follow me and I will show them to you.” She threw a smile behind her shoulder and continued into the room where the dinning tables and chairs were on display. The woman stopped and picked up an old vase. She was thorough in her inspection of it. Anna stopped and turned and just watched her. When the lady glanced up she said, “Antiques are my drug. I love everything that is old. I try to picture who owned something and who made it. I love the quality of work. It is so much nicer than all the mass produced junk of today. Don’t you agree?”

  “Yes, of course I agree. I have loved antiques for as long as I can remember.”

  The woman purchased the French country chandelier, thanked Anna and promised to come in again. Nadine arrived two hours later with a box of costume jewelry and said, “Here you are, told you I would find some.”

  “Thanks,” Anna exclaimed, “I’m going to be the best gypsy ever, with all this.”

  “You can look at that later. Come out and help me unload the van. I found some treasures today. Hey, you think dad would let me use his truck?”

  “Probably, did you get the dining set you were looking for?”

  “Yes, and I also found an antique dresser that I want to refinish. I think I could really make a profit on it.”

  “You are aware that it would probably sell for the same without the refinishing. I know many people like original condition on their antiques. Even if the piece is banged up a bit. They are worth more.”

  “I know that. I do own this shop. I just got this picture in my head of a gorgeous dresser after I refinished it.”

  “So what are we going to do for a window display? I have it all cleaned up and ready to decorate.”

  “I have something special in mind. Let’s go out and grab the boxes of goodies I purchased first.”

  They went out to the van and made three trips with boxes full of all kinds of antiques. When they finished Anna started unloading one box. She pulled out some old books and an old looking glass. “Wow, this is so cool,” she said as she was peering through the glass. “It’s a lot heavier than the one granddad has.”

  “Anna, will you bring me the blue fabric from the back room please. I just want to stack a couple of these empty boxes in the window and throw the blue fabric over it. Then I’ll arrange all this antique crystal. I wish I had an extra house. I would keep everything myself.” Nadine said and she started laughing.

  “You know sis I love your vintage globe collection. Have you ever thought about putting those in the display window?”

  “I was hoping to display some of the things I got from the Mansion.”

  “You could still display some of the quirky stuff you got from the manor artfully mixed in of course.”

  “I was also thinking I want to display some fresh mums and lots of little gourds on the front steps to welcome people in the store for autumn.”

  “That sounds better than just the wreath you have now.”

  “What, don’t you like my welcome wreath?”

  “I stuck my foot in my mouth there. Sorry Nadine, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”

  “You still never said whether you liked it or not,” Nadine huffed.

  “I like it already, okay. I was just thinking that the mums are going to be fantastic. Mums are my favorite fall flowers. Why are you so defensive all the sudden?”

  “I’m sorry Anna, I just have a lot on my mind. The kids are a handful. It’s hard to work and raise two little ones at the same time.”

  “I can help you.”

  “You already are by working here. You have your plate full too. What with school and working here.”

  “Nadine, I would love to babysit Charlene Madison and little Lenox. I love my niece and nephew.”

  “Maybe I’ll let you watch them soon. You know you can come over and visit us after school and work. I know, why don’t you come over for Sunday dinner this weekend.”

  “I’ll have to see what is going on. But more than likely I can come over.”

  “Maybe I’ll invite Sarah and Nicole over too. They are supposed to be coming home soon for a visit,” said Nadine.

  “I didn’t know they were coming. Oh my God I’m so excited.” Anna started jumping up and down. “ We have all not been together in at least two years.”

  “I’m not supposed to say but they both said they are planning to move back home soon. I can hardly wait for play dates with Melody and Mila. You know the girls need to know each other. Cousins are important. Don’t you agree?”

  “I do agree, the girls need to know each other. I was face timing Nicole last week and Mila is her mini me,” answered Anna.

  “That’s funny. I was face timing with Sarah and Melody was playing in the background. She is a doll. I do believe she takes after the Hall side of the family.”

  “Do Mom and Dad know they are coming home?”

  “Not yet and don’t you spill the beans and tell them Anna. It’s supposed to be a surprise.”

  “Okay, I won’t say anything. You know Dad doesn’t like surprises.”

  “He will like this one. Maybe we should plan a barbeque or something.”

  “That is a great idea. Let’s make sure we have a back up plan just in case we get some thunder showers.”

  “Okay, I told you my little secret. Now will you help me with the crystal I want to display.”

  “Okay boss, and just so you know, you made my day.”

  Nadine’s lips curled up, “Now you owe me one,” she said.

  The sisters remained happy while they chitchatted about the upcoming surprise and continued decorating the store.

  “I need some plaid pillows and blankets for the outdoor chairs. Do you think Nicole and Sarah will be staying with Mom and Dad?”

  “Maybe for a little while, at least until they can find their own apartments. But I don’t know for sure. They may end up staying with friends.”

  “Its funny Nicole never mentioned to me she was planning to come home.”

  “Don’t worry yourself over it Anna. Maybe she just wanted to surprise you. Please, when they get here, act surprised. Otherwise they will both be angry with me.”

  “Oh don’t get your panties in a wad, I’ll act surprised.”

  Nadine was busying herself with her window display. All of the sudden she started talking to herself. Anna giggled and said, “Why are you talking to yourself?”

  “I didn’t realize I was.”

  “I couldn’t understand what you were saying because you were mumbl
ing.”

  “I am trying to create a display using color, texture, shape, and size in an engaging way. I always step back from my display and talk to myself. I ask myself questions like: "Is this boring? Is it exciting? It is just a habit I guess.”

  “Hey, it’s okay. I was reading a few weeks ago that people who talk to themselves are really smart.”

  “You mean I’m not crazy?” snickered Nadine.

  “No, the smartest people on earth talk to themselves. Look at the inner monologues of the greatest thinkers. Look at poetry! Look at history!” stated Anna.

  “I have often wondered about talking to myself so much. I have even caught myself talking to no one out loud in the store.”

  “Don’t worry yourself Nadine, even Albert Einstein talked to himself. He wasn’t an avid social butterfly when he was growing up, and he always preferred to keep to himself.”

  They became silent and focused. Together they made the most beautiful window display. Nadine had purchased a set of six Green Antique Cordial Glasses. And an antique enamel set of ten Cordial Glasses with Bohemian Italian dolphins and animals. She put a hefty price of $350 on the little white tag set among the glasses. She mixed in some greenery and was pleased with the creative process.

  “So how much are you going to make off the Cordial glasses?”

  “I bought the green set for twenty-eight dollars. I’m selling that set for fifty-six. The Boho set I paid one hundred fifty for and I’m selling it for three hundred fifty. I’m doubling my money. All in all I have to say, I’m very pleased with the treasures I found at the old Manchester Manor.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  The Dream

  LATER THAT NIGHT when Anna went to bed, she dreamed of the tall, dark handsome stranger again. His eyes were gold and he was standing in the middle of a circle in a clearing in the woods. She was drawn to the circle. There were several people in long flowing robes all standing around the circle. Each one was wearing a hood and it was dark so she couldn’t make out their faces. As she was being pulled into the circle the people started to chant. She was mesmerized. It was as if she had no will of her own.